Konjac Root Side Effects and Benefits

As a weightloss supplement that is widely advertised, the fiber from the root of the konjac plant, also known as glucomannan, seems to have a few interesting medicinal characteristics for some. These include some strong laxative capabilities and the capability to inhibit absorption of glucose and cholesterol from a person’s gastrointestinal system. Unfortunately, there are quite a few glucomannan and konjac root side effects, some of which may be serious, especially for people who have specific conditions that are preexisting.

Intestine, Throat, or Esophagus Blockage

The very features that make konjac root appealing for weight loss applications in rare conditions can cause a blockage of the throat, intestine, or esophagus that could be life threatening. Glucomannan absorbs large amounts of water, consequently reducing their desire to consume extra food and aiding people who are trying to lose weight by helping them to feel full. In the event that konjac root ends up accidentally lodging itself in the esophagus before it arrives in the stomach (where it should end up to benefit a person), it can actually end up choking a person, especially if it swells together with any liquids.

Health Canada has warned that products including glucomannan introduce a potential for damage if consumed without drinking, at the very least, 8 oz of liquid such as water or juice. Australia prohibited glucomannan products in 1985 due to the potential for blockage of the esophagus or intestines.

Gastrointestinal Distress

Far less dangerous but irritating however, glucomannan can create many different gastrointestinal problems, including loose stools, diarrhoea, and flatulence. Those who end up experiencing symptoms of this type can usually find some relief by lowering the quantity of glucomannan they are taking. Users should discontinue use of the fiber completely and consult their physicians, if, however, gastrointestinal distress should continue.

Potential Konjac Benefits

The CellHealthMakeover.com website has published some reports that suggest that supplementing with konjac root can aid an individual in inducing weight reduction, even in overweight persons that are not earnestly seeking to consume fewer calories. Furthermore, the substantial quantity of soluble fiber that glucomannan supplies can help individuals who have problems eating the quantity of fiber that the National Cancer Institute and the American Heart Association recommend to accomplish their daily intake requirements. Supplements of konjac root are easy to get and affordable compared to the price of other fat loss aids.

While such findings may be considered favorable news under most conditions, they do represent a cautionary note to individuals that are already taking medicines to reduce blood sugar or blood cholesterol levels. It’s quite significant that they consider all possible qualities of the konjac root fiber before starting to use products that include glucomannan.

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